Gnosticism

American  

[nos-tuh-siz-uhm] / ˈnɒs təˌsɪz əm /

noun

Christianity.

1. a group of ancient heresies, stressing escape from this world through the acquisition of esoteric knowledge.

---

Gnosticism British  

/ ˈnɒstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a religious movement characterized by a belief in gnosis, through which the spiritual element in man could be released from its bondage in matter: regarded as a heresy by the Christian Church

---

Etymology

Origin of Gnosticism

First recorded in 1660–70; Gnostic + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Gnosticism

The film’s philosophical questions are cryptically asserted, something about Gnosticism and the origins of evil.

From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2024

Through a bizarre philosophy that wove Kabbalah, Gnosticism and Sabbatai’s ideas with worship of the Divine Mother, Frank believed he was achieving tikkun olam, the Jewish ideal of repairing the world.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2022

Various theologies, such as Gnosticism and the Kabbalah, suggest that not even God can bear to dwell in absolute oneness.

From Scientific American ● Nov. 17, 2018

Outside, I take in the scene: street preachers denouncing Gnosticism, a lone banker trying to garrote himself with ticket tape, and the Bull – that gold, beautiful bull – running through the streets like Zeus.

From The Guardian ● Jul. 8, 2015

As in many mystical religions, so in Gnosticism, the ultimate object is individual salvation, the assurance of a fortunate destiny for the soul after death.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various